The opening section of Martin Luther’s Open Letter to the Christian Nobility was an effective broadside against the Roman Catholic power structure. It outlined a biblical argument that elevated both the nobility and the common man to stand equal to both priest and pope in the eyes of God.
But Luther wasn’t done. The Open Letter also outlined Luther’s calls to reform the church from how people should dress to ceremonial changes to help people understand that the pope was just a man like everyone else.
The Open Letter was very effective. Before the release of the Open Letter, the pressure was building on Frederick the Wise to turn Luther over to the Roman authorities. The success of the Open Letter allowed Frederick to continue to protect Luther through this critical period of the Reformation.
In this episode we conclude our discussion of this letter. The implications for church and state relationships are huge as Luther calls upon the people to identify their role in the church through their baptism instead of through self-righteousness.
This letter includes a description of three false walls that divide the clergy and laity in the church. After tearing down these walls, Luther goes on to list reforms for the church. Walls surrounding the self-righteous are torn down. Our only identity in the church is found in Christ.
Beer Break
Curmudgeon Ale from Founders Brewery. This beer was chosen based on a request from a listener in New York. This beer is brewed with molasses and an insane focus on the malt bill.
Thank You
Josh for the sound engineer work. These episode used a different post-production technique. We are interested in feedback on if any differences are noticed.
St. Paul Lutheran in Hamburg
Sources
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- David Whitford – Luther: A Guide for the Perplexed
- James Kittelson – Luther the Reformer
- Luther’s Works – volumes 44
- Wikipedia
- Elsie Singmaster, Martin Luther – the story of his life
- Hannah S. Bowers – Coffeeshopthinking.wordpress.com
Contact us
- graceontap.podcast@gmail.com – Let us know if you’d like to host a roadtrip.
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